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The Arabic phrase "Eid ul Adha" means the "major festival" and is often also called the festival of sacrifice. This is because it takes place while the pilgrims on Hajj near to the Holy city of Makkah are sacrificing their animals. It happens on the tenth day of Dhul Hajj. It is the responsibility of every Muslim who is physically able to do so, to sacrifice an animal - a goat, sheep, cow or camel - where ever they are in the world.

In these days of enlightened meat eating when consumers are often concerned about animal welfare and the standards in abattoirs, Muslims can come under fire for this practice, as it is not regulated like commercial animal slaughter. A Muslim still has to get a special license in my country (the UK) and there is often controversy about which method of killing animals is the most humane, and causes least pain. Muslims believe their traditional method is the kindest and quickest though, and that this festival can therefore continue without a problem.

The meaning behind the festival originates in Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as Allah commanded. And the spirit of it is seen when, having sacrificed an animal, the meat is then distributed among the poor and needy. Of course Allah's name is invoked as the sacrifice is carried out. The connection with the Hajj remains as the spirit of the festival is the same: that each participant shows themselves willing to make a sacrifice for the sake of Allah, and it is a way that those Muslims unable to undertake Hajj can connect with all the Hajjis. All can then get close to Allah.

To celebrate Eid ul Adha is to thank the Creator for the gift of meat to eat, as well as a chance to show some of the same concern to the poor in society that Allah shows to all those in need. A third of the meat is eaten by the family that sacrificed the animal, a third is given to friends and relatives and third to the poor. In England many Muslims send money to Pakistan or India to pay for an animal to be sacrificed there and given to those in need.

To celebrate Eid ul Adha is to feel a sense of joy at the opportunity to thank God for what He has done for us. The heart should overflow! The festival is a holiday and in Muslim countries it lasts three days. The involvement of the whole community locally is ensured by beginning the festival with congregational prayers in the Mosque. It is a time when people dress up in their best clothes and visit each other. This visiting too binds the whole Ummah together.

So whether one is able to undertake the Hajj or not each Muslim can feel grateful to Allah for what He has provided, not just in terms of food, but also in terms of family and Ummah. It was a great act of faith for Ibrahim to be prepared to sacrifice his precious son because God commanded it, and in remembering that we can be thankful for the gift of our family and community, but all the time conscious that Allah must come first and foremost.

Learn more about this author, Anne Davey.
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